The Legislature instructed the GIC to reduce the waiting period for GIC benefits for all eligible new hires effective July 1, 2024. This requires collaboration with all GIC Coordinators.
GIC Coordinators must be aware of and implement the following for a successful transition to the reduced waiting period (RWP).
Critical Information and Procedures for a Successful Implementation
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Enter every newly hired employee’s information into the HR/CMS or UMASS payroll system on or before the date of hire and include the employee’s personal or work email address.
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Entering the new employee’s information, including their personal email address, on or before the date of hire triggers a registration email for MyGICLink within 48 hours of the hire date. This allows the new employee to quickly enroll in benefits online through MyGICLink, the GIC’s self-service member benefits portal.
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Coordinators must encourage all new employees to use the MyGICLink member benefits portal to enroll in GIC benefits.
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- Ensure that personnel in your agency, particularly those who are part of the hiring and onboarding processes, are aware of the MyGICLink self-service member benefits portal to inform newly hired employees about the fastest way to enroll in GIC benefits.
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Most newly hired employees that enroll in benefits will receive a bill for premiums due until payroll deductions begin. Be sure to notify all new employees that a bill will be mailed to them at their home address.
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Employees who receive a billing invoice can also view their billing invoices in the MyGICLink member portal and pay online by credit card if they wish to do so.
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If an employee does not pay the GIC’s billing invoice, their coverage will be terminated for non-payment of premium. The next opportunity to apply for GIC benefits is during the next Annual Enrollment period, in accordance with the Federal requirements for Section 125 Cafeteria Plan pre-tax benefits. Please note that the employee will have 60 days to pay the invoice and will receive two hard copy notifications as well as an emailed notification that payment is due.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Reduced Waiting Period (RWP) also applies to employee’s electing Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and the application process remains the same. Employees must apply online through the TASC member portal within 21 days of hire and HCSA benefits will be effective on the same day as all other GIC benefits. There is no change to the waiting period for the DCAP benefit and will remain effective immediately from date of hire.
Reduced Waiting Period (RWP) Training May 21, 2024
In preparation for the July 1st, 2024 implementation date, the GIC is hosting a virtual training session on May 21, 2024 at 11 am for HR/CMS Coordinators. This session requires registration and will be recorded. Register below:
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